Wonders of Rome depicted in sand

Nearly 200 exhibits form the sand sculptures exhibition

The wonders of ancient Rome are being revealed to the public as an exhibition of sand sculptures opens.

Emperor Augustus, the Colosseum and Pantheon and a small army of centurions are depicted among nearly 200 sculptures at Brighton Marina.

It is the second year Brighton has hosted the Sand Sculpture Festival, but this year 85% of the sculptures will be under cover in a giant tent.

Last year some of the open-air exhibits were damaged by weather and vandalism.

"Covering them with the tent has allowed the sculptors to be more experimental," said festival spokeswoman Michelle Lamb.

"There was a little bit of weather damage last year and a few people threw things from the beach."

In pictures: Ancient Rome sculpted in sand

Last year's exhibition, which drew on ancient Egypt, attracted nearly 200,000 visitors and the organisers are hoping to beat that in 2006.

The exhibits, which are said to be able to withstand up to force seven winds, are built from 10,000 tons of special river sand imported from Holland.

The "young" sand has suffered little erosion and is shaped like dice, making it more suitable for sculpting. "Older" sand is shaped more like marbles and works less well.

The 60 artists who have been working at the marina for the last two weeks will be on hand to answer questions from visitors until Sunday.

The festival runs from Thursday until 10 September, when the exhibits will be bulldozed.